Endemol Sets Up Scripted Studio Operation in the U.S.

LOS ANGELES: Endemol has established a new L.A.-based scripted TV studio operation, Endemol Studios, which is to be led by Philippe Maigret as the newly appointed CEO.

Maigret will continue to oversee acquisitions for North American rights for the group, having served as executive VP of North America acquisitions since joining the company in March 2010. In his new role as the CEO of Endemol Studios, Maigret will report to David Goldberg, the chairman of Endemol North America. Jeremy Gold has been appointed head of creative affairs for Endemol Studios. Gold joined Endemol in 2008 as the senior VP of scripted programming and launched Endemol USA’s scripted TV development division.

The focus of Endemol Studios will be to develop and produce U.S. scripted programming for global exploitation across all platforms. This includes financing the development of projects, deficit-financing the production of pilots and series and overseeing all related activities. The studio will focus on prime-time U.S. cable dramas based on original projects developed internationally, as well as scripted formats adapted from Endemol’s international stable.

“Endemol Studios represents a significant step in our ongoing strategy to expand and diversify our activities in North America at the same time helping fuel our global growth,” said Goldberg. “Philippe and Jeremy bring together a powerful blend of experience and a track record of delivering projects with global potential.”

Maigret added: “It is something of a wish fulfillment to build a new-generation TV studio business. Endemol Studios will draw on Endemol’s world leading creative resources in the U.S. and around the world, as well as leveraging the Group’s global distribution platforms.”